Lincoln recently introduced its latest foray into the luxury crossover SUV market. The new-for-2010 Lincoln MKT is a seven-passenger midsize crossover that’s loaded with power, performance, handling, and features. The ’10 MKT is offered in one trim level, the Base MKT, available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). An AWD-only EcoBoost package that includes a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels is also available, effectively adding an extra, higher-end trim level.
Among the innovations for the 2010 MKT are a rear-isolating suspension that improves the handling characteristics on the EcoBoost package with its larger wheels, and the twin turbos, allowing the V6 to save on fuel while providing the power of a normally aspirated V8. The standard engine for the ’10 MKT is a 3.7-liter V6 that, in combination with the standard six-speed automatic transmission, puts out 270 hp at 6,500 rpm and 267 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. An average of 24 mpg is expected for the 3.7-liter V6.
The innovative EcoBoost 3.5-liter powerplant is a twin-turbo V6, with the oomph of a normally aspirated V8, but the fuel economy of a V6. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 uses the same six-speed automatic as the 3.7-liter V6, but is capable of 355 hp at 5,700 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. EPA mileage estimates are not yet available for the 3.5-liter V6.
Standard comfort and convenience features for the 2010 Lincoln MKT include leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, a power tilt-telescoping steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, Sync voice-activated communications and audio-control systems, and a 10GB hard-drive music storage system. Options include the AWD EcoBoost package, a blind-spot alert system, a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic alerts, a THX II-certified Surround Audio system with 14 speakers, adaptive cruise control, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, active parking assist, and a power-operated Panoramic Vista sunroof.
Safety features standard with the ’10 MKT include four-wheel disc ABS with brake assist, stability and traction control, an anti-skid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.
By Eric Tallberg
